good kid, m.A.A.d city Review

"good kid, m.A.A.d city" Serves as Fantastic Debut for Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar is an up-and-coming rapper who is becoming one of the industry's most lyrically praised artists. In his new album, which is styled as good kid, m.A.A.d city, Lamar puts his talent as a rapper and as a poet on full display. As a personal fan of Lamar, I am comfortable saying this album is one of the best of the year, and quite possibly the decade.

good kid, m.A.A.d city is Lamar's second studio album, but is his major label debut. His first album, Section.80, was released independently in 2011 to critical acclaim. good kid, m.A.A.d city, however, takes a much more personal look at Lamar's early life and the environment in which he grew up. The album follows a 17-year-old Kendrick as he rides around his hometown of Compton, California with his friends in his mother's van. This scenario is maintained throughout the album, and is used by Lamar as the back drop for many events.

In this album, Kendrick Lamar is able to analyze the effects of gangs, violence, and economic inequality on a young child. He portrays himself as someone who was trying to escape the negative influences of street-life in Compton, but was held back due to relationships and other circumstances. Through the use of interluding voicemails, Lamar creates a balance with the violence-laden content of his lyrics.



Kendrick Lamar

 Lamar is also able to give us insight into the internal struggles of his younger self. Lamar faced struggles of peer pressure earlier on in his life, as he was constantly trying to appease his gang affiliated friends. The theme of a "good kid" growing up in a "m.A.A.d city" are apparent in each of Lamar's tracks. Although the storyline is nonlinear, Lamar is able to maintain a cohesive storyline throughout.

he lyrical complexity of this album is what makes it truly great, and Kendrick's vivid storytelling captivates listeners everywhere. Each track is interdependent on the others to coalesce into one, tragically beautiful picture. The West Coast influence of the album makes it reminiscent of rap greats like Dr. Dre, Eazy-E and Tupac Shakur. good kid, m.A.A.d city is an amazing major label debut, and I would encourage any rap enthusiast to purchase it.